| A utility interactive system or grid-tied system is a PV system that operates in parallel with and is connected to the electric utility grid. These systems are sometimes called grid-connected or simply, “interactive “systems. These systems are the simplest and least-expensive PV systems that produce AC power because they require the fewest components and do not use batteries. The primary component in a utility-interactive system is the inverter. which directly interfaces to the array and the electric utility network and converts DC output power from an array to AC power that is synchronous to with the utility grid.Utility-interactive systems are modular, so large systems can be designed as several smaller systems with individual inverters and then connected together.
Utility-interactive systems make a bidirectional interface with the utility at the distribution panel or electric service entrance. When a PV system does not produce enough power to meet the system loads, additional power is imported from the utility. If there is an excess of PV power, the excess power is fed back (exported) to the grid. |
